Can You Use Kitty Litter For Rats?
WouterWhile some people think kitty litter is only for humans, it’s also an excellent choice for rats. If you have a rat, try to avoid using the same litter as your pet. Instead, try shredded newspaper. It can be very effective at absorbing moisture, but be sure to cover it with another litter. Using newspaper on its own can cause respiratory irritation.
Cardboard substrate is another option. It’s an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to give your rat fresh air. Cardboard comes in small squares or soft strips. It’s ideal for a rat that suffers from respiratory problems or who needs a nesting place. However, its absorbency is not as good as other substrates, and it can become smelly very quickly.
Cat litter contains many ingredients that can be dangerous to rats. Some of them are softwoods, such as pine and cedar. These contain phenols, which are known to affect the liver. Clay cat litter is also dusty and can be harmful for rats. Clay cat litter should be nonclustered and be used in a litter box.
If you decide to use cat litter for your rats, make sure you choose a litter that does not contain dust, fragrances, or clumping agents. Also, it should be large enough to prevent your rats from chewing on it. You should avoid using cedar wood and pine wood litters as they contain chemicals that can harm your rat’s respiratory tract and weaken his immune system. A better option is to use aspen shavings, which are dust-free and easy to find. Paper cat litter is another option, but make sure it is unscented and does not claim to contain odor control.
